Get Behind True Honey

March 26, 2013

The True Source Honey program, which Bee America is a member of and fully supports, is an organization that strives to keep the honey supply chain honest, transparent and accountable. Specifically, the True Source Honey program aims to ensure that the honey you purchase is:

· Ethically sourced in a transparent and traceable manner from known beekeepers and brokers;

· Moves through the supply chain in full accordance with U.S. law and without circumvention of trade duties; and

· Carries truthful labeling as to its source, has been tested to ensure quality, and has been handled in a safe and secure manner from hive to table.

At Bee America, we believe that the mission of True Source Honey resonates strongly not only with beekeepers such as us, but that it also has great appeal to the honey consumer. I see it as one of my responsibilities as a honey producer to help maintain the reputation of honey as a high quality, highly valued food and further sustain the U.S. honey sector. Currently, the amount of pounds of honey produced by members of True Source Honey is over 40 million and this number continues to grow every month.

The genesis of True Source Honey stemmed from the desire of honey companies and importers to highlight the problem of illegally sourced honey; to protect consumers and customers from these practices; and to acknowledge and sustain legal, transparent and ethical sourcing. True Source Honey stands against the collection, processing or sale of adulterated honey or honey that has been obtained by thwarting U.S. law.

Unfortunately, there are few standards that regulate the definition and purity of honey. Deceitful importers have been discovered selling “honey” that is actually corn syrup with color added, or honey with measurable pesticides, herbicides or banned antibiotics. This is not what I want for my family; this is not what your family deserves. I was encouraged to learn that True Source Honey is advocating for global standards for high-quality honey, which would not permit the modification of honey with added syrups or other sweetener extenders, or the use of unsuitable and unhealthy additives in honey production. The organization has also petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a legal definition of honey that would help regulate the purity and safety of honey.

Bee America started simply, with a desire for pure honey that we could trust. From the hives in our yard we enjoyed that perfect sweetness. While the honey from our yard is delicious, it is only a single flavor. We started exploring the vast array of amazing honey flavors. Our family searched for honey that we would share with your family. Honey, which is simultaneously simple and complex. Honey, where we can taste the bees producing the miracle of nature. We are listed as an active member under “Participating Beekeepers” at the True Source Honey website. We have also applied for an independent 3rd party audit to become a certified honey producing company that upholds the highest standards of blending, processing and repackaging raw honey. We believe that our company goals are fully aligned with that of True Source Honey. We know that food safety is important to our customers and that they have high expectations that we will always be extremely confident in our sourcing program. This is the foundation of Bee America: great honey, a variety of flavors, sweetness you can trust.